"There are many grand elements to Montjüic, Barcelona's green lung that’s a whole lot more than ‘just a hill’. A great introduction starts from the roundabout at Plaça España, where a dramatic, architectural staircase leads up to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (National Museum of Catalan Art). It looks like a fairy-tale palace, and the water feature in front is even called the Magic Fountain. (Recent drought conditions have paused its famous evening water-light spectacular—but check for updates here). So far, we’ve described about 400 meters of Montjüic: the remainder boasts internationally acclaimed arts institutions, stadiums from the 1992 Olympic Games, exotic gardens, and enough panoramic views to jam a smartphone camera roll. The site is vast; you can spend hours circumnavigating it, only to discover entire sections you’ve missed. Focusing on its outdoor potential, don’t miss Montjüic Castle, particularly in July and August, when its grounds host an open-air sunset cinema. Walk around the old Olympic stadium site, taking in the giant spike in the sky: a telecoms tower built by architect Santiago Calatrava. There are also two great gardens: the botanical garden, Jardí Botànic, and a more secluded one dedicated to cacti. If the catchy name Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera doesn’t help you locate it, it’s by the back of the Miramar hotel and the sea." - Gemma Askham
